Mexico played to draws against Japan and South Korea in the September window, what did we learn about Vasco’s side as we creep closer to the World Cup.
- Mexico’s #1: Barring any injury, Luis Angel Malagon will be Mexico’s starting keep next summer. Tala Rangel got another shot to see what he can do and he did not do anything to change that thinking. Malagon has his faults but no other keeper in the Mexico pool is close to taking his spot. Hopefully, having Edson Alvarez, Johan Vasquez and Cesar Montes in front of him on set pieces will minimize his weakness on them. I think Guillermo Ochoa comes as the #3 and the battle for #2 is still on going.
- Wingers: Vasco is trying anyone to see if he can get some attack from his wingers. I’ll focus on the 2 starters in the South Korea game as we know what Alexis Vega and Roberto Alvarado are at this point. German Berterame got put on the right wing against South Korea. If that seems odd, please look at the heat map above to see where Berterame usually spends his time on the field. He did not get too involved and I forgot he was on the field. I dont blame him as that is not his natural position. I contrast that with Diego Lainez off the bench, its night and day. The Tigres player was a spark off the bench, matching or surpassing what German did in less than half the minutes. He brings something that no other player in the Mexican pool has. If he wants to be at the World Cup, we need to see that more often. I would love to see Lainez get a start with Rodrigo Huescas. I think those two can cause chaos.
Hirving Lozano got his first start with Mexico in nearly 18 months and it went okay. Nothing to say he should be a starter but enough to stay in the mix going forward. He showed that defensive grit I expected of him. Lozano won 5/6 duels and led both teams with 3 tackles. His pressing brings a new dynamic on the wing and can create opportunities for Mexico. As the game went on, he also played well off of Mateo Chavez. Chucky is back in the national team picture and Vasco will give him more chances to prove he deserves minutes. Its up to him to grab the opportunity and run with it.
- Tactical Update: Regardless of the players, Mexico has not generated much from their winger positions. If they keep a 433 or 4231, their wingers have to show up but that has just not been the case this cycle. Maybe its time for a tweak? Clearly, Chavez/Huescas provided a spark down the flanks against South Korea but their lack of positional awareness got them in trouble as well.
Both players were caught out of position multiple times and arguably led to the first Korean goal. Instead of trying to tame them or go back to Jesus Gallardo and Jorge Sanchez, Vasco should go all in with his attacking fullbacks. Give them free rein to push up, especially on counter and play with 3 centerbacks.
Playing in a 532 will help with their winger problem and highlight their fullback’s strengths. You can even use Raul Jimenez as secondary striker to start Santiago Gimenez. Likewise, you can use Raul as your striker and use Alexis Vega or Gilberto Mora behind him.
When playing a stronger opponent, Vasco could have a double pivot of Edson/Lira in front of the back 3 to really close ranks. With Mexico’s diminished player pool, their needs to be a certain level of tactical creativity to hide what we cannot do and accentuate what we can. The coaching staff has shown a level of willingness to try stuff before, its time to try again.
In the October FIFA international window, Mexico will face Colombia on Oct. 11th at AT&T Stadium, followed by a clash with Ecuador on Oct. 14th in Guadalajara. Both games will be good tests for Mexico, Vasco needs to find an identity for this team. Time is running out.